Who decides cases at this office
The 11 judges at this office show a wide spread in their approval rates, which range from 32% to 75%. Because cases are assigned randomly, which judge you draw can impact your outcome. This variation means your file must be strong enough to stand on its own, regardless of the specific ALJ's individual approach to weighing evidence.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | V. Paul McGinn | 75% | 2,801 | |
| 2 | Ryan Vanda | 62% | 1,315 | |
| 3 | Laura Bernasconi | 61% | 3,032 | |
| 4 | Kate Dana | 60% | 1,254 | |
| 5 | Tanya J. Garrian | 60% | 1,703 | |
| 6 | Gerald Resnick | 51% | 951 | |
| 7 | Stephen M. Szymczak | 51% | 1,277 | |
| 8 | Paul W. Goodale | 48% | 3,932 | |
| 9 | Jason Mastrangelo | 44% | 4,156 | |
| 10 | Barry H. Best | 44% | 1,951 | |
| 11 | Martha Bower | 32% | 1,800 |
How long you'll wait
At Providence, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8 months— versus a national average of 8 months. Here's how it's tracked month by month over the past 16 months.
Approval rates change with a lawyer
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37. The 3× gap is a population-wide average across all judges; individual outcomes vary.
Going to your hearing
With an 8-month wait, you have time to build a comprehensive record that proves your limitations. Start by gathering all medical records generated since your last denial, as these are the most persuasive documents an ALJ will review. You should also prepare a daily-activity log and a list of your current medications, including specific side effects that impact your ability to work. During your hearing, a vocational expert will likely testify about whether jobs exist for someone with your specific restrictions. You have the right to question this expert, which is often the turning point of the proceeding. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. Your final decision will arrive by mail after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span over 40 points, your file must be bulletproof to ensure no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney uses the 8-month wait time to pressure-test your evidence against the vocational expert's likely testimony. This preparation is the difference between a record that leaves questions and one that demands an approval.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Providence, your case originated at one of the SSA field offices below — the local intake counter where you (or a representative) filed the initial application. Field offices don't decide hearings, but they hold your file, issue benefit-payment notices, and field the day-to-day questions during your wait.
Frequently asked questions
The average wait for a hearing at this office is 8 months. This is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months, providing a consistent timeline for your appeal. An attorney can help you manage this wait time effectively.
Cases are assigned randomly to one of the 11 Administrative Law Judges at this office. Because approval rates vary widely across the panel, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards common in this office.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA to ensure impartiality. If you have concerns about your assigned judge, an attorney can help you understand the process.
While there is no formal dress code, dressing in neat, professional attire shows respect for the ALJ and the process. An attorney can help you focus your energy on organizing your medical evidence, which is the primary factor in your case's success.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. Given the 57% approval rate and the wide variation in judge decisions, an attorney can help ensure your medical records and testimony are presented effectively.